Full NFL Predictions 2015
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL season is about a week away, and while many sites have put out their predictions for the upcoming season already, I am about to put mine out now. I've done predictions on the NFL before, but this is the first one for sportsblog.com. I'll go division by division in both conferences, giving a brief analysis of each team, then I will hand out my award predictions, then finish it off with how I see the post-season going. Let's get started!
NFC
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles
I know it's only preseason, but the Eagles offense with Sam Bradford leading the way has looked dynamic. I originally thought that the loss of LeSean McCoy would be a big blow for them, but as long as new additions DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews stay healthy, the Eagles offense should be good to go. Like the other teams in this division, the Eagles defense should give teams some pause, but with the points they're expected to put up on offense, it might not matter all that much.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo and Dez Bryant should have another big season together, especially with Dez not having to worry about getting his new contract anymore. I wonder about the new running back committee that Dallas has with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle, neither of them are going to be the workhorse that Murray was last season, even with the best offensive line in football in front of them. Also with Orlando Scandrick going down, can this teams' secondary hold up?
3. New York Giants
There are many things I like about the Giants going into this season. The rising stardom of ODB has been a sight to see, and I think Eli Manning playing for a big contract could lead to him having a big time season. There are still a bunch of things to worry about. The running game doesn't look all that strong with Rashad Jennings leading the way, and the health of Victor Cruz could hamper this offense. The defense with the loss of JPP for an unknown amount of time could send the Giants into another losing season.
4. Washington Redskins
What a mess this franchise is in. Jay Gruden is highly confident in Kirk Cousins starting at quarterback, but he hasn't shown anything lately that proves he can be a top flight QB in this league. Not that I think RGIII would do any better. This team has the talent on offense with Alfred Morris, DeSean Jackson, and Pierre Garcon, but the disfunction around the team being as high as it is, it's going to be a long season.
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons
Hard to pick a division winner in what is likely the weakest division in the NFL, but I'll go with the Falcons. They could have an explosive offense this year, especially with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. I do think Roddy White will slow down this year, but Tevin Coleman, the rookie out of Indiana, could have a big season if he indeed wins the RB job over Devonta Freeman. The defense is very much a work in progress, but with the hiring of Dan Quinn as head coach, the turnaround could come quicker than expected.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I think the Bucs are going to be the surprise team of the NFC this season. Their defense last year wasn't as they would have hoped, but with Lovie Smith coming in they could be pretty good this year. I mean they do have talent at each level with Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, and Alterraun Verner. I also think that Jameis is going to be a great NFL quarterback. He has the weapons around him in Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, and Doug Martin, and if the offensive line is anything close to decent, this could possibly be a playoff team.
3. Carolina Panthers
Carolina squeaked into the playoffs last year with a 7-8-1 record, but I don't see them being as lucky this season. Their defense should still be pretty good, but their offense could be very bad. Losing Kelvin Benjamin for the year is a big loss for them, and it's hard to see who can fill his shoes in the passing game. Also they'll be relying fully on Jonathan Stewart in the running game this year, and he hasn't played a full season since 2011.
4. New Orleans Saints
Not a fan of the Saints this year at all. Last year they had one of the worst defenses in the league, and now this year they look to be worse on offense. Drew Brees showed signs of slowing down near the end of last year, and the Saints front office did him no favors by trading his biggest weapon Jimmy Graham to Seattle.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
No surprise with the Packers winning the NFC North once again. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Packers will always be a Super Bowl contender, and there isn't any real competition in this division. The offense should still be very potent, even with the loss of Jordy Nelson. The defense like past years is their weak point, but it should be good enough and force enough turnovers to get them by this year. Expect DeVante Adams to have a good year, and either Ty Montgomery or Jeff Janis break out as the #3 receiver.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are definitely going in the right direction. Mike Zimmer last year brought the defense back to life, and they look to be good once again this year, also making a jump in their pass defense with the progression of their secondary. Teddy Bridgewater proved he's their franchise quarterback and they could have a very good offense as well with Adrian Peterson returning and the addition of Mike Wallace. If Bridgewater stays consistent this year, they could be a wild-card contender.
3. Detroit Lions
Watching the Lions play this preseason, their defense looks awful. Losing Suh to the Dolphins this summer was huge and I don't see Ngata having the same impact with him getting up there in age. Teams should be able to throw all over them this year and score a bunch of points. As for their offense, they could have a good year passing the ball as Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate are a very good tandem. Their running game seems spotty to me. I'm not as high on Ameer Abdullah as it seems everyone in the national media is. I watched him play at Nebraska and he has troubles fumbling the football, and he can't pass block to save his life. Don't think the Lions are a playoff team this year unless their defense overachieves.
4. Chicago Bears
Don't see much hope for the Bears this year. Their defense was atrocious last year and it didn't look to get any better in the off-season. They traded away Brandon Marshall and their replacement Kevin White is out for the season. All I have to say is that even with Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery, this team will never be a contender as long as Jay Cutler is their quarterback. Good luck this year Bears fans.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks
Their defense has some injury worries, but I don't think they're as severe as everyone is making them out to be, they should still be one of the best in the league. I do think that this year is when Pete Carroll unleashes Russell Wilson in the passing game. I think last year Super Bowl fiasco was a precursor for this year. I think Carroll is going to want to show everyone why he made the decision to have Wilson pass the ball as he gives Wilson more control of the offense and pass the ball a lot more than past seasons, hence their acquisition of Jimmy Graham.
2. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona had a great start to their year last season starting off 9-1, but then they lost Carson Palmer and their season turned around completely. This year if Palmer can stay healthy, the Cardinals should make their way back to the playoffs. They still have a really good defense that should be good enough to carry them to the playoffs even if their offense doesn't fully live up to expectations.
3. St. Louis Rams
It's now or never for the Rams this year. They've gotten out of the Sam Bradford era, and now it's Nick Foles. They're expecting big things out of Todd Gurley this year, and it looks like he can be a great back, that's if he's healthy coming off his ACL tear last year. Their defense underwhelmed to start the year in 2014, and they can't afford it this year. They're still in the toughest division in the NFC and they're going to need to carry them this year if they want to be playing post-season football.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Hard to believe that it was just 2 seasons ago the 49ers were coming off a Super Bowl appearance. That seems so long ago. Now with the firing of Jim Harbaugh and all of the troubles their players have had with the law, the 49ers have turned into a mess of a franchise. They lost 3 key pieces on defense with Patrick Willis, Chris Borland retiring and being forced to cut Aldon Smith, and they also lost their starting right tackle Anthony Davis to retirement. Jim Tomsula is going to have a rough first year as Head Coach.
AFC
AFC East
1. Miami Dolphins
This is the year that the reign of the New England over the AFC East finally ends. I am really high on the Dolphins this year. I love the signing of Suh this summer, and pairing him with Cameron Wake on the defensive line is going to be huge. I also think this is the breakout year for QB Ryan Tannehill. He's got new weapons with Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron signing, as well as the emergence of Jarvis Landry and drafting of DeVante Parker. What also helps the Dolphins is the beginning of their schedule. Their first 6 games are easily winnable which would could set them up with a nice division lead once Brady's suspension is over.
2. New England Patriots
The Patriots have once again gone through a rough off-season with this whole "Deflategate" fiasco. Brady could miss the first 4 games of the season which could really set them back. Also losing Revis, Browner, and Wilfork from the defense will really hurt them. Also not sure if Brady can skate by with Gronk being his only weapon on offense for another season. Patriots don't have a bust season, but the AFC East has caught up so much it's hard for me to see them winning the division once again.
3. Buffalo Bills
Bills had a damn good summer. I really like the Rex Ryan hiring, I think he's perfect for Buffalo. Getting big weapons on offense in LeSean McCoy and Percy Harvin, as well as keeping that stout defense intact. This could finally be the year the Bills break their playoff drought.
4. New York Jets
The Jets made some really good moves this summer, trading for Brandon Marshall and bringing back Revis and Cromartie. The offense could still use a lot of help seeing how their QB situation is awful and their running back situation also isn't ideal. Jets will be able to stifle a lot of teams because of their defense, but their offense won't be good enough to keep them afloat and in the playoff conversation.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers surprised most last year when their offense was as dynamic as it was last year. The start of the season could be slow because of the suspensions of Le'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant, but after that they should have a big year. The defense isn't like the Steelers of old, but if a few of their younger guys step up, they should be well set up for a return to a division title.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, on paper, look again to be a very solid team. AJ Green and Mohammed Sanu are great weapons to have, and Jeremy Hill looks primed for a big season. Their defense also looks to be good once again with Geno Atkins leading the way. But something tells me that Andy Dalton (who has struggled big time this preseason) and Marvin Lewis will put up the same kind of production they have the past few years. Inconsistency could very well plague them once again and get them to miss the playoffs.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is a hard team to judge. Joe Flacco is a very underrated quarterback but his weapons are diminished this year. They lost Torrey Smith and only replaced him with rookie Brashad Perriman (who could miss the start of the season) and Justin Forsett is their only real option in the running game. Their defense should be solid, but their offense looks like it could be too inconsistent to be a real threat.
4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are a mess once again. I have high hopes for Johnny Manziel later in the year, but on offense they have no real weapons. Their running backs aren't proven, and the wide receiving unit is lead by Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, 2 guys that's production has fallen off the map the last few years. The defense has some solid pieces on it, but their struggles at quarterback and lack of weapons on offense will likely hold them back once again.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts this season look primed for a big year. Adding Andre Johnson to an already stacked receiving core was a great move, as well as signing Frank Gore. I thought he would have started to decline his last few years in San Francisco, but he has played very well. And he won't be forced to carry such a big load in Indianapolis. Defense could be inconsistent, but the offense is big time and will lead the way once again.
2. Houston Texans
Let's face it. The Texans have a solid team, but aren't nearly good enough to beat the Colts out for the division. Arian Foster missing the first 4-5 weeks of the season will really hurt this team, and Brian Hoyer isn't the answer in Houston. JJ Watt should have a big year once again, especially with the return of former #1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney, but him alone won't get the Texans back to the playoffs.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
I like where the Jaguars are heading. Blake Bortles looks to be the franchise quarterback they've been looking for, and rookie TJ Yeldon could be a surprise this year at running back. They still need to surround Bortles with better receivers, but Gus Bradley has this team going in the right direction.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are once again in for a rough year. Mariota is firm as the starting quarterback, but he doesn't have nearly enough weapons to give him a good year. The Titans could be a threat in about 4-5 years, but for now, they won't be good enough on either side of the ball to get them out of being a top 5 pick.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning near the end of last season really slowed down. This could lead to a less effective Manning which in turn could help the Chargers or the Chiefs take a hold of the division, but they intend to run the ball a lot more this year and CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman are both good options. The Broncos also have the most weapons on offense and on defense than anybody else in the division, which is what will keep them at the top of the division.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have a pretty good roster, their defense is top notch and they were able to add Jeremy Maclin this off-season to help out their offense. Jamaal Charles is likely going to have another good year, but with Alex Smith as their quarterback, I can't see them being a serious threat.
3. San Diego Chargers
Chargers are another tough team to figure out. They recently gave Philip Rivers a big contract extension, which seems like the right move, and Melvin Gordon should be their best running back since LT and the answer they wish Ryan Mathews was. But the question for them is if the offensive line will be good enough, and can Keenan Allen have a bounceback year. If neither of those happen, the Chargers will be on the outside looking in.
4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will likely finish last in the division again this year, but they won't be one of the NFL's bottom feeders. Derek Carr looks like a franchise quarterback and he has some good weapons around him this year. Amari Cooper is a stud, and Crabtree is a serviceable #2 option as well as Latavius Murray in the backfield. On defense, Khalil Mack is a beast, and Charles Woodson is a great leader and role model for the younger players. It won't be this year, but the Raiders won't be out of the playoff conversation for much longer.
Awards
MVP: Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
Leading the Packers to the best record in the NFC after losing his top target Jordy Nelson for the season earns him his 3rd MVP.
Runner Up: Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts
Offensive Player of the Year: Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts
The Colts added even more weapons for him this season, including Frank Gore to take some pressure off him. Luck throws for around 5,000 yards and between 40-45 touchdowns.
Runner Up: Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Watt - Houston Texans
Watt proved last year to be the biggest defensive force in the NFL. The return of Jadaveon Clowney will only help Watt continue his dominance.
Runner Up: Ndomukong Suh - Miami Dolphins
Rookie of the Year: Jameis Winston - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The #1 overall pick surprises most by almost leading the Bucs to a playoff spot and has a big passing season thanks to Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans.
Runner Up: Amari Cooper - Oakland Raiders
Coach of the Year: Joe Philbin - Miami Dolphins
Overthrowing the Patriots for the AFC East division title and the #2 overall seed in the AFC is more than enough to take Philbin from the hot seat to Coach of the Year.
Runner Up: Rex Ryan - Buffalo Bills
Comeback Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
Hard to believe that the NFL would actually give this award to Peterson, seeing how he only missed last season because he was involved in a child abuse scandal. But Peterson looks like he's going to have a big year, and because of that as well as the lack of other legitimate candidates, AP looks like the best bet.
NFC Playoffs
Wild Card Round
(3) Philadelphia Eagles over (6) Arizona Cardinals)
(5) Dallas Cowboys over (4) Atlanta Falcons
Divisional Round
(1) Green Bay Packers over (5) Dallas Cowboys
(2) Seattle Seahawks over (3) Philadelphia Eagles
Conference Championship
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card Round
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers over (6) Buffalo Bills
(5) New England Patriots over (4) Denver Broncos
Divisional Round
(1) Indianapolis Colts over (5) New England Patriots
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers over (2) Miami Dolphins
Conference Championship
Indianapolis Colts over Pittsburgh Steelers
SUPER BOWL 50
Green Bay Packers over Indianapolis Colts
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my first full NFL Preview, and if there's anything that you disagree with, or anything you want to say about this post feel free to leave comments below! Enjoy the season!
